Spring Airlines Japan to Start International Operation Next Feb.

Spring Airlines Japan Co., Ltd. (IJ) announced Wednesday that it will start international operation in February 2016 after filling an application with the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau to expand its business scoop.

The low-cost carrier commenced domestic operations on Aug. 1, 2014 from its hub at Tokyo Narita Airport. It is now applying to expand its business scope to cover international services.

Pending government approval, Spring Airlines Japan will launch a thrice-weekly Tokyo Narita-Wuhan service from Feb. 13, 2016, followed by a four-time-weekly Tokyo Narita-Chongqing service from Feb. 14, 2016. Both routes will operate with 189-seat Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

Founded in 2012, Spring Airlines Japan is a subsidiary of China's low-cost Spring Airlines Co., Ltd. (9C). Different from parent's all-airbus fleet, the Japanese carrier operates a small fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft.